Woolfest!

Yesterday was a most exciting day, it was Woolfest day!  We (me and my Mum) got up very early and set off on our 2 hour drive to Mitchell's Lakeland Livestock Centre in Cockermouth.  I had put the postcode in my Sat Nav, however, just past Keswick it appeared to freeze.  We had no need to panic, as Woolfest was very clearly signposted from the A66.  Parking was easy, with a large number of men directing us to our parking spot and making sure we all budged up to fit all the wool addicts in!  We were a little bit early, but managed to get our tickets, a programme and nip to the loo before we were released into the hall (SQUEAL!)

I have to say I was completley overwhelmed by all the stalls offering a whole range of wools, hand spun, hand dyed, commercial and then there where books, buttons, felt, spinning wheels - the opportunities to spend a small fortune where endless!

We started by visiting the animals.  There where sheep, goats, bunnies and alpacas to admire with lots of information on hand.  We particularly liked the alpacas who where just the cutest things ever!

Angora Bunny

Alpacas

Angora Goats

We then started our shopping, admiring all the yarns and notions on offer.  The choice was immense and you could certainly find something for everyone.  I had a lovely chat to the nice people from Inside Crochet magazine where I purchased a subsrciption and some back issues.  We then headed over to The Textile Garden who sell the most beautiful buttons and shawl pins.  I definitley recommend checking out their website!  Heartfelt by Liz was amazing!  They make beautiful items out of felt and other textiles and had the most amazing flower brooches and hair pins.  We purchased a kit to make them and where able to watch a fabulous demonstration aswell which was truly inspiring (so inspiring we are now looking at a feltmaking course!)  We purchased yarn from Fyberspates and artisanyarns who had a great choice of colours and blends. 

A fraction of my stash!

When we needed to rest our weary feet, there were plenty of places to grab a drink and some food and to have a sit down.  I purcahsed some beautiful lemon cake from a handmade stall and there was even ewes milk icecream, which we didn't have chance to try but I am assured it is delicious!!!  If you fancied some entertainment whilst you rested, you could watch some clog dancing, a harpist or a folk band.

We had a fantastic day and left inspired and ready to start many new projects.  The venue was perfect for the event and extremley well organised with clear signposting, a help desk and plenty of people on hand to help you get the most from your day.  I would recommend heading there with a mission or two to focus you in or you made end up as overwhelmed as I was! 

Next years Woolfest takes place on the 22nd and 23rd June 2012 and I am looking forward to it already!